More Topics

Weather Forecast

Beltrami sheriff offers safety tips

To help promote safety in and around the water during the summer, Beltrami County Sheriff Phil Hodapp offered these reminders:

E One personal floatation device (life jacket) per occupant must be accessible. Children age 10 and under are required to wear a life jacket at all times when the boat is not anchored or moored.

E For boats 16 feet or longer, one seat cushion or ring buoy (must be labeled as a Type 4 throwable device) must be readily available.

E Fire extinguishers are required in boats with inboard motors or built in fuel tanks. Make sure these are inspected and filled.

E Boats which are 16 feet in length or longer require a horn or whistle.

E Assure that all navigation lights are in working order

E Be mindful of your boat wake, especially in "no wash, no wake" zones. Use caution around other boaters, swimmers and wildlife along the shoreline.

E Alcohol and boating do not mix. Remember that the same laws that apply to driving while intoxicated also apply to recreational water sports.

E Watch the weather report and use common sense if lightning is present or bad weather approaches.

E Jet skis or wave runners are required to remain 150 feet from shorelines, docks or non-motorized watercraft. Operators must wear a personal flotation device at all times.

Lakeshore owners are reminded that a permit is required before overnight placement of swimming rafts, mooring buoys or other temporary structures in a lake or river. Call 333-8474 and leave your name, address, phone number, location of raft or buoy and any other questions you may have.

To help promote safety in and around the water during the summer, Beltrami County Sheriff Phil Hodapp offered these reminders:

- One personal floatation device (life jacket) per occupant must be accessible. Children age 10 and under are required to wear a life jacket at all times when the boat is not anchored or moored.

- For boats 16 feet or longer, one seat cushion or ring buoy (must be labeled as a Type 4 throwable device) must be readily available.

- Fire extinguishers are required in boats with inboard motors or built in fuel tanks. Make sure these are inspected and filled.

- Boats which are 16 feet in length or longer require a horn or whistle.

- Assure that all navigation lights are in working order

- Be mindful of your boat wake, especially in "no wash, no wake" zones. Use caution around other boaters, swimmers and wildlife along the shoreline.

- Alcohol and boating do not mix. Remember that the same laws that apply to driving while intoxicated also apply to recreational water sports.

- Watch the weather report and use common sense if lightning is present or bad weather approaches.

- Jet skis or wave runners are required to remain 150 feet from shorelines, docks or non-motorized watercraft. Operators must wear a personal flotation device at all times.

Lakeshore owners are reminded that a permit is required before overnight placement of swimming rafts, mooring buoys or other temporary structures in a lake or river. Call 333-8474 and leave your name, address, phone number, location of raft or buoy and any other questions you may have.